What minimum visibility is required for VFR flight at night?

For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight at night, the minimum visibility required is indeed 3 statute miles. This regulation ensures that pilots maintain a clear line of sight to successfully navigate and identify landmarks or visual references, which is crucial for safe flying in the absence of adequate natural light.

At night, visibility requirements are more stringent than during the day because of reduced ambient light and the challenge of distinguishing between objects in the landscape. As pilots are required to see and avoid obstacles and other aircraft, having a minimum visibility of 3 statute miles helps to enhance safety by allowing adequate time for pilots to react to their environment. This visibility rule applies to general flight operations within controlled airspace as well as uncontrolled airspace and is essential for maintaining safe operating standards at night.

In some cases, different rules may apply in specific airspace classifications or if a pilot is operating under certain conditions, but the general requirement for VFR flight at night remains at 3 statute miles.